Aquitaine | French Canal Connection Contact Us The wonderful cuisine and fine wines are what make the sunny Aquitaine region in the south west of France stand out from the crowd. As you cruise along the famous waterways in “Musketeer country”, stop off at restaurants and markets abounding in delicacies such as foie gras, Agen prunes, and regional cheeses, wines from nearby Bordeaux, and the distinctive Armagnac brandy. Aquitaine is full of waterways, flowing from Toulouse in the south of Aquitaine towards Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast, and from Cahors to Valence-sur-Baïse, and forming a kind of cross as the canals intersect in the center of the region. The beauty of this area is that you can choose from a cruise down three major canals: the calm tree-lined waters of the Garonne past interesting villages; the meadows, orchards, and vineyards along the Baïse towards Armagnac country; and the more rugged landscape of the Lot with its medieval hilltop towns and strongholds.

Food and Drink Bordeaux wine, distinctive Armagnac brandy, Buzet wine, truffled foie gras, prunes from Agen, and cheeses such as Bleu des Basques… the list goes on, and it is not hard to see why Aquitaine has such a reputation for fine food and drink. Visit the wine cave in the small town of Buzet-sur-Baïse for tastings of this delightful local wine. If you are traveling in August, you will see the festivities of the Buzet Wine Festival in Nérac. The Château Le Courréjot near the town of Moncrabeau is famous for producing Armagnac and Chablis. The town of Condom on the Baïse is also known for producing Armagnac, and here you can visit a museum dedicated to the brandy. As you stop by villages on your cruise, don’t forget to visit the markets for fresh produce and some of the wines of the region. The market in Valence d’Agen, the Marché au gras, is one not be missed. The Garonne The Garonne is a beautifully calm waterway, much of it tree-lined, and dotted with small villages.

On its way north from Toulouse, the Garonne meets the Canal de Montech, making a detour east to link with the Tarn River and the town of Montauban. The town was built on the banks of the Tarn in the 12th century, mostly from red brick, giving it the distinctive look of the region. Take time to visit the Musée Ingres next to the old bridge. Today it houses the art collection of French neo-classical painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and is built on the site of a palace that was the residence of the bishops of Montauban. Stop by the old square,La Place nationale, surrounded by unusual double archways, or arcades. Montauban also holds a notable jazz festival each year in July. Once again on the Garonne, you will arrive at Moissac. This charming town has many industries, including glassworks that you can visit, and the beautiful Abbaye St Pierre. In Agen, the Canal de Garonne crosses the Garonne River on the Agen Aqueduct. Built entirely from Quercy stone, it is the largest Aqueduct in France.

Part of the Canal des Deux Mers (along with the Canal du Midi), the Canal de Garonne continues from here on its path to the Atlantic Ocean. In Agen, see also the bustling market and the Musée des Beaux-arts. Further north towards Bordeaux, the waterways take you past the picturesque little town of Le Mas d’Agenais with its nearby Basilique de Bazas, and the 12th-century Château du Hamel in Castets-en-Dorthe. The Baïse The Baïse winds through meadows, orchards, and vineyards on its way to Condom and Valence-sur-Baïse, the heart of Armagnac country. On the way, stop at picturesque Damazan with its wonderful town square and craft fairs; see Buzet from where the delicious local wine gets its name; and see the glassworks in the nearby town of Vianne. Nérac is a small town on the banks of the Baïse, its half-timber houses full of flowers overhanging the river.

Nérac was the home of King Henri IV in the late 16th century and today you can visit his former residence at the Château-Musée Henry IV. See works by Goya, Sisley and Dufy in Agen Great farmers markets and shopping in Montauban Local specialties like Duck Confit, Armagnac, Agen prunes and Buzet wines Options for one-way cruises Region Guide to Aquitaine, France Location Aquitaine is in the South-west of France and borders the Atlantic to the West, Spain to the South, the Midi-Pyrenees to the East and Poitou-Charentes and Limosin to the North. There are five départements within the région: Dordogne (24), Gironde (33), Landes (40), Lot-et-Garonne (47) and Pyrenees Atlantique (64). Bordeaux, (the capital of Aquitaine) is located in the North-west of the région. Perigueux and Bergerac are in the Northeast, in Dordogne.

Agen, in the department of Lot-et-Garonne is located in the East of the region and Bayonne, Biarritz and Pau are in the South. The Cote d’Argent and parts of the Pyrenees Mountains are also located within the region. Description Aquitaine is a region of spectacular landscapes, exquisite food and wine and a rich cultural heritage. The white beaches of the Cote d’Argent are backed by magnificent sand dunes and the vast pine forests of Les Landes. Exquisite chateaux and world-renowned vineyards surround Bordeaux, Bergerac, Perigueux and the Dordogne River (which lends its name to the department through which it flows). The lush green foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains and the Pays Basque are dotted with chalet-style houses and heavily influenced by the culture of the Basque people. Just as the Basque language is spoken in this southern department, a number of Occitan dialects are spoken throughout the region. Aquitaine is world famous for its vineyards, with the wines from the area surrounding Bordeaux amongst the most celebrated in the world.

The regional produce in general is renowned, from the Agen prunes and strawberries to the culinary delights of foie gras, Arcachon oysters and Armagnac. The regions rich cultural heritage covers millennia, from the ancient paintings in the caves at Lascaux, to the magnificent architecture of the various chateaux. Aquitaine is well known for its prehistoric sites as well as the abbeys, churches, bastides and castles of the Middle Ages and beyond. Many are listed as World Heritage sites and it is thanks to the appreciation of its past, that Aquitaine’s historical legacy can be so easily observed and admired. Average Max and Min Temperatures Average Rainfall Aquitaine maintains a comfortable climate throughout the year, with daily temperatures averaging 12 °C during the coldest months and 27°C during mid-summer. Aquitaine receives enough rainfall throughout the year (though mostly during November, December and January) to sustain the vines and agricultural produce for which the région is renowned. Culture Annual festivals and fairs are held throughout Aquitaine celebrating wine, theatre, regional cuisine and music, especially jazz.

The most famous are; the wine and jazz festivals held in Bordeaux; the theatre festivals in Sarlat; the festivities that surround Aquitaine’s bullfighting tradition and the Basque festivals that are held every summer in Bayonne. The French Pays Basque is situated within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. The vibrant Basque culture is marked by traditional cuisine, music, and the Basque language, said to be one of the most grammatically complex. The Basque game Pelota is hugely popular and there are many Basque sports, known as force Basque in French, derived from the traditional rural activities of the Basque people. History of Aquitaine The cave paintings at Lascaux in Dordogne are some of the best-known examples of upper-Palaeolithic art. They are estimated to be 17,000 years old and are a testament to human habitation and the daily life of prehistoric man. These caves are the richest and most famous of a number of Prehistoric sites found in the region and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aquitaine’s rich history has survived in the abbeys, churches and chateaux of its towns and villages, and in its modern day culture and dialects. The Gauls occupied south-western France from the 3rd century BC until the Romans conquered the region. The Romans cultivated the first vines, built roads and enabled the creation and growth of commerce in Budigala (Bordeaux), Versunna (Perigueux) and Aginum (Agen). The collapse of the Roman Empire saw the region invaded by the Vandals, the Visigoths and then by Clovis and the Franks in the 6th Century. As with the rest of France, Aquitaine saw a succession of feudal regimes as a series of French kings struggled to bring France under unified rule. During the 10th and 11th Centuries, Aquitaine was divided between the two duchies of Aquitaine and Gascony. When Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine married King Louis VII of France, the Duchy of Aquitaine was added to the kingdom of France.

However her subsequent divorce and re-marriage to Henry Plantagenet, future King of England, saw the two united duchies added as dowry to the English throne. When Charles IV of France died in 1328, the absence of a male heir meant that the Plantagenet King of England, Edward, was the closest in the direct line to the throne of France. However an assembly of Barons awarded the crown to Philippe de Valois, Count of Maine and Anjou. The resulting conflict was to last for more than a century. The Hundred Years War (1337-1453) was fought predominantly on French soil and the walled cities and castles of Aquitaine bear testimony to the central role that the region played. By the time the French captured Bordeaux in 1451, the inhabitants of Aquitaine had been under English rule for 300 years, and therefore considered themselves English. They sent messengers to Henry VI of England demanding the recapture of the province and in 1452 greeted the arrival of John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury and his army of 3000 men.

The final battle was fought at Castillon in 1453 and was won by the French as it was the first battle in European history, where cannons were the deciding factor. The Parliament of Bordeaux was created in 1462 as a measure against the instability in France that continued from the Wars of Religion. Despite the uncertainty of the times, Aquitaine’s prosperity had, on occasion, flourished due to the strategic importance of its towns, its trade links, and the popularity of its wine amongst nobility in both England and France. By the 18th Century, it was one of the richest and largest regions of France and the architecture of this time is a testament to the era. Befitting a region whose cultural legacy bore Montaigne and Montesquieu during the Renaissance and Enlightenment respectively, Aquitaine’s involvement during the French Revolution was primarily intellectual. Economy Aquitaine is the primary agricultural region of France and produces 10% of all wines produced in Europe. The services sector is well developed and accounts for more than 70% of regional GDP, with the market services sector accounting for nearly 50%.

With approximately 6 million holidaymakers visiting the region every year, tourism also makes a valuable contribution to the region’s economy. The region’s most important industries are within the; agri-food, energy, public works, electronics, biotechnology and aeronautics sectors. Aquitaine is home to more than 150,000 companies, the largest being Maisadour (maize), Solectron (electronics), Groupe Fayat (public works/construction), Ford Aquitaine Industry (automotive) and Guyenne at Gascogne (food retailers and wholesalers). Industrial Sectors The large aeronautic groups EADS, Thales, Turbomeca and Dassault, are located in this region, as are electronics companies Solectron, IBM and PNY. The construction sector accounts for 14% of regional companies, and Ford is another one of the regions large employers. There are gas fields in Lacq and oil fields in the Arachon basin and Aquitaine is the leading regional producer of natural gas, with Total employing around 4000 people.

Agriculture Viticulture is essential to the regions economy and Bordeaux wines, which are located within the department of Gironde, are amongst the most famous in the world. Wine and wine related products are produced throughout the region with the most celebrated vineyards found in the areas surrounding Bordeaux and Bergerac. Aquitaine is France’s premier agricultural region and while the grape is its most valuable asset, the region’s rich and fertile soils are conducive to a wide variety of produce. Agen, to the east of the region (in the department of Lot-et-Garonne) is famed for its prunes and almost half of all French strawberries and kiwi fruits are also grown here. Over half of the farms in Aquitaine grow maize, as well as other important crops such as potatoes, asparagus, and tobacco. Aquitaine is highly revered for its farm produce along with specialities such as truffles and foie gras, with Landes being the leading producer of foie gras worldwide. Landes is also famous for the small succulent carrots that are grown here. The region’s poultry, meat and dairy industries contribute hugely to the agricultural sector.

One million hectares of forest were planted in Landes during the Nineteenth Century and Les Landes in the North-west of the region is the largest pine forest in France and produces 88% of French Maritime pine. Timber from the region is used throughout France and forestry is another important sector within the local economy. It provides 28,000 jobs, a turnover of 2.6 billion euros, and an excellent example of well-managed sustainable forestry. Aquitaine’s coastal location means that fishing, shell-fishing and aquaculture are also important industries and the Oysters from Arcachon are famed throughout France. In total the agricultural sector, which is conscientiously managed, provides approximately 175,000 jobs and contributes 14 billion euros to the regional economy. Cuisine Gastronomically, Aquitaine is most renowned for the quantity and quality of its celebrated wines, foie gras, truffles, oysters and mussels. In Gironde, it is the wine that takes precedence with the world famous vineyards of Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and the Medoc found here.

The wines of Perigord Poupre, the wine-growing region around Bergerac in the Dordogne are of equal note and the vineyards of Sauternes, Margaux, Pauillac, Monbazillac and Cahors are all within Aquitaine. Armagnac brandy is also produced here. The coastline provides exquisite “fruits de mer” (shellfish), most notably, the famous Arcachon Oysters. In addition, 90% of France’s mussels are harvested from the natural inland sea of the Arcachon basin. Foie gras, truffles, mushrooms, prunes and walnuts are all key ingredients in Aquitaine cuisine. Foie gras, a local speciality and international delicacy is one of the regions most famous culinary delights and is produced mainly in Landes. Truffles, an increasing rarity, are still found throughout the region, however the most well known are the black variety found in the Perigord. The wild mushrooms that grow here (cepes, chanterelles and morels) are prized for their depth of flavour and Agen prunes and walnuts are used in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Typical regional dishes are; Cassoulet, a rich stew of haricot beans, duck, pork and pork skin; Confit de Canard, in which the duck is cured in salt and then slowly poached in duck fat and sweet Canelles, baked custards with thick caramelised crusts. The Basque influence in the regions cuisine is most notable in the crème brule, gateau basque, and piperade, a Basque dish traditionally prepared with onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers and eggs. A large manor home on the Dordogne River, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Aquitaine Boat hire on rivers and canals in Aquitaine | Boating Holidays See floral Castelsarrasin then Moissac, with its aqueduct, world famous Abbey and cloisters. The 13th century bastide town of Valance d’Agen has a popular weekly market. At Agen there is a penichette base, a superb 23-arch Roman Aqueduct and art works by Goya and Sisley.

Further north you may cross the River Garonne with a pilot to explore the lower River Lot and its medieval villages and bastide towns, Otherwise continue to Buzet on the River Baise, famous for its red wine, and on to our cruiser base at Le Mas d’Agenais. South on the River Baise, wind your way through 65km of lush countryside into Gascony. See beautiful Vianne, then Barbaste with its 10 arched Romanesque bridge, and Nerac, capital of the region with its Henry IV chateau ruins. Overlooking the river are shops, cafes and restaurants, making Nerac an ideal overnight stop. From the quays of Condom casks of Armagnac brandy were shipped to Bordeaux. See the Abbey of Flaran before reaching the end of your cruise at picturesque fortified Valence-sur-Baise, home to a penichette base. The waterways of Aquitaine are an enjoyable way to explore the culture and gastronomy of this fascinating region of France.

Route Information Highlights of the Aquitaine Region Magnificent views from ancient hilltop villages Medieval villages with delightful cobbled streets and timbered houses World-famous wines Wine South West France - Luxury Hotel Barge Saint Louis Wine South West France Wines of the South-West aboard Saint Louis Wines of the South-West (click to enlarge) In the same way that we aptly describe our cruise area in south west France as being the “Hidden Corner of France”, so the wines of South West France can be described as unexplored – but definitely worthy of exploration! The history of South West (Sud-Ouest) France wines is in itself an amazing story. This official wine area can be divided into a number of specific wine regions, including Gaillac , Fronton , Cahors , Saint Sardos, Côtes du Brulhois , Côtes de Duras , Buzet and Jurançon . These wine regions are ancient – most of them date back to Roman times, and Gaillac is the second-oldest wine region in France. It was wines from these ancient vineyards that were exported by sea from Bordeaux, and indeed they were known as Bordeaux wines, or sometimes ‘claret’.

In the late 1800s land owners around Bordeaux itself started to plant their own vines, and all the small producers in what is now South-West France faced great difficulty marketing their product when faced with the industrial-scale production that then was established around Bordeaux. Local Wines on board Saint Louis Particularly in the last 30 years, the development of wine production in South West France has been remarkable. The region is characterised by small-scale producers, many of whom have a high quality product, but they do not have the marketing budget of the big chateaux of international acclaim. On the Saint Louis, we of course specialise in the wines of the region in which we cruise, and our guests often take great pleasure in their journey of discovery of wines that they had never heard of before. In some cases the distinctiveness of the wine is the result of the use of very specific grape varieties, such as for example the Tannat variety found in Fronton, or the Malbec used in Cahors. In many cases also it is the skill of the wine-maker that results in something quite distinctive and exceptional. It is for this reason that producers of wines in South West France are increasingly winning national and international awards.

Tasting visit to a local winery On the Saint Louis, we carry 36 wines from South West France, many of which are award-winning wines. We have also developed some very interesting wine visits. These include a visit to the producer who is making wine to a formula that her ancestor used in producing wines for the court of Louis Quatorze. We also visit the descendent of d’Artagnan, of Three Musketeers fame. His slogan is “Un vin pour tous, tous pour un vin!” (One wine for all, all for one wine!) In south west France, traditionally-made local drinks go well beyond wine, important though it is. During our second week, between Agen and Castets-en-Dorthe, we come into Armagnac country. Armagnac is a distillate from fermented grape juice – the up-market artisan-produced version of brandy. Even better, most Armagnac producers also make Floc de Gascogne , using Armagnac as its base. These two drinks are of great influence in the culinary tradition of south west France, and can often be found with such varied products as foie gras and prunes.

A further drink-based visit that always goes down well is to the remarkable 86-year old artisan distiller in Montech. This charming Frenchman makes eau-de-vie and liqueurs from just about every fruit imaginable. In many ways, the wine and other drink production that we find in south west France parallels the other charms of this area – high quality, small scale, deeply rural, essentially genuine, and largely undiscovered. This is one of the many reasons why a cruise on the Saint Louis into the Hidden Corner of France brings with it so many unexpected discoveries. Luxury Vacations in Scenic Aquitaine - Luxury Hotel Barge Saint Louis Luxury Vacations in Scenic Aquitaine Hotel Barge Charter CRUISEs along the Garonne Valley between Bordeaux and Toulouse South West France – The Garonne Valley The luxury hotel Saint Louis’ cruising area is South-West France – we travel along the Canal de Garonne between Montauban (in the Midi-Pyrenees region) and Meilhan (in the Aquitaine region). There are two itineraries – the West ‘Bordeaux’ Route and the East ‘Toulouse’ Route – that meet at Agen.

Each itinerary is followed separately in an easterly or a westerly direction, so that there are four possible charter cruises. Once a separate kingdom, then a duchy, and formerly much larger in area, the present-day region of Aquitaine extends from Perigueux (Dordogne) in the north, to Bordeaux in the west, to Pau and the Pyrenees mountains in the south and to Valence-en-Agen (towards Toulouse) in the east. Taken as a whole, this is France’s most significant wine-growing, agricultural and forestry area. Bordeaux is important as an Atlantic sea-port and for its wine and Toulouse is France’s fourth largest city, renowned for its aerospace and aeronautics, its science and its university (one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1229). There are more than 1,000 castles and manor houses in our region, as well as beautiful old villages and historic towns.

Gascony, Armagnac and Bastides South-West France includes the historical area of Gascony, famed as the land of the real-life Comte d’Artagnan, who inspired Alexandre Dumas’s character in The Three Musketeers. Aquitaine is also home to the hero of the play Cyrano de Bergerac and to the famous Henry III of Navarre who later became king of France as Henry IV. South West France is famed for its douceur de vivre (“sweetness of life”): its food (it is home to foie gras and Armagnac brandy), its medieval fortified new towns and villages called Bastides nested amidst green rolling hills, its sunny weather and the beauty of its landscape, with the occasional distant views of the Pyrenees. The area is also known for fruit-growing and market-gardening, for maize (corn), sunflowers and for tobacco-growing (although this has recently declined significantly in recent years). Wine And of course, our hidden corner is also about Wine. South-West France has been growing grapes, producing fabled wines, since Roman times and well before the adjoining Bordeaux region (to the north-west) became dominant in the late nineteenth century.

Aboard Saint Louis you can savour their quality. Download a brochure about Aquitaine Aquitaine, France Aquitaine can be found in the south western part of France, along the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountain range on the border with Spain. Aquitaine covers an area of 41,308 sq / km, 7.6 percent of the country's total area. It is bounded by Spain to the south, to the east by Midi-Pyrenees, by Poitou-Charentes and Limousin to the north and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the major cities in Aquitaine include Bordeaux, Pau , Bayonne , Mont-de-Marsan , Biarritz , Bergerac , and Perigueux. Buy a property and enjoy a region that has been blessed with a gloriously sunny climate and a wonderful landscape of vast forests, snow-capped peaks, vineyards and rolling sand dunes. For all you wine lovers out there a holiday house in Aquitaine is the place for you. Wine cellars are very popular in this wonderful area of France.

Famous for its wine, some of the best wine and brandy products across the globe come from this area. These include Armagnac, Lillet - a fortified wine produced in Bordeaux, Bergerac - which is produced in the Dordogne, Sauternes - a famous sweet white wine and the most famous of them all Bordeaux wine - also known in the UK as Claret. The Aquitaine region is one of the most famous red wine producers in the world. Situated in the south and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Aquitaine offers you oceanic climate where the whole year is somewhat mild. With approximately 2200 hours of sunshine per year the region has that Mediterranean feel but with the sun comes the rain and this is one of the major factors why the region is famous for its wine as it is the ideal climate for vine growing. The summer months will see the average temperate rise to about 25° where as winter in Aquitaine will rarely see the temperature drop to below 10°C. Places to buy in Aquitaine , France There are many things to do and see in Aquitaine.

These include the Dune de Pilat which is said to be the largest sand dune in Europe, the Cote d’Argent ,one of the most famous coasts in France and the Bassin d’Arcachon which is famous for its oyster farming. Some popular events include Bull fighting, very popular in the region and surfing, in fact major surfing championships take place on the Atlantic coast regularly throughout the year. Aquitaine is also home to the Landes Forest, famous for being the largest pine forest in Western Europe. Biarritz Biarritz is a fantastic destination to be in the summer, especially to lovers of French culture. Biarritz, only half an hour from the Spanish border, is considered the surfing capital of Europe, and is an extremely popular spot with young and trendy surfers. Enjoy the famous Grand Plage beach and take a trip the art deco Casino and Museum of Chocolate. Perigueux Perigueux is considered to be the capital of the Dordogne region. Perigueux is a buzzing town and has been the centre of the Dordogne region for over 2,000 years and makes an ideal touring base for the chateaux and lakes of the Perigord Blanc.

There are essentially two towns to see at Perigueux, the medieval town and the roman town. St Emilion Saint-Emilion's history goes back to prehistoric times and is a World Heritage site, with fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets. Saint-Emilion is one of the principal red wine areas of Bordeaux along with the Medoc, Graves and Pomerol. The region is much smaller than the Medoc and adjoins Pomerol. As in Pomerol and the other appellations on the right bank of the Gironde, the primary grape varieties used are the Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with relatively small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon also being used by some chateaux. Don't miss the Eglise Monolithe, because it's underground and carved out of the limestone. It dates from the 9th century and is Europe's largest subterranean church. Bordeaux Bordeaux is a port city on the GaronneRiver in southwest France, with one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area at a 2008 estimate. It is the capital of the Aquitaine region, as well as the prefecture of the Gironde department.

Its inhabitants are called Bordelais. Bordeaux is located close to the European Atlantic coast, in the southwest of France and in the north of the Aquitaine region. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, and is divided into two parts: the right bank to the East and left bank in the West. Bordeaux is best known for its wine. With an annual production of over 700 million bottles, Bordeaux produces large quantities of everyday wine as well as some of the most expensive wines in the world. The Dordogne The Dordogne is a region of South East France between the Loire valley and the High Pyrenees named after the great river that runs through it. Locally it is known as the Perigord. It is surrounded by the departments of Haute-Vienne, Correze, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Gironde, and Charente, 6 departements. It is the third largest department of France. Dordogne has become one of the favourite destinations of British immigration to France. Dune de Pilat The Great Dune of Pilat is the largest sand dune in Europe.

It is located in La Teste-de-Buch in the ArcachonBay area, France. It is south of the ArcachonBay, about 60 km from Bordeaux. The Dune reaches a height of 100m and the view of the ocean at the summit is spectacular. On a clear day you can see the Pyrenees mountains. Getting to Aquitaine , France By Air Daily services are offered in and out of a number of airports throughout Aquitaine by both national and international companies. From the UK Easyjet, Ryanair, Flybe, Bmi Baby all offer low cost flights to the following airports in Aquitaine, Bergerac, Pau, Biarritz, and Bordeaux, all of which receive flights from a number of airports across the UK that include London Gatwick, London Stanstead, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Southampton. By Train - Aquitaine is a major point on the French rail system. With full rail links available in and out of Aquitaine which is also served by the Atlantique high speed train T.G.V Paris is only 2 hours ways. This major transport hub provides a rapid service from Aquitaine to major cities across Europe.

By Sea - The towns of Bordeaux and Bayonne are home to two fantastic ports which mean you can arrive by sea right into the centre of Aquitaine. By Road - If driving is preferred then there are a number of majors roads that head straight into Bordeaux. Take the A10 from Paris, the A62 from Toulouse or the A89 from Clermont-Ferrand to Bordeaux. Property for Sale in South West France - French Connections Property for Sale in South West France COM_FCSEARCH_SEARCH_QUERY_LABEL Results 1 - 10 of 2427 Sort by Vinax (Charente-Maritime) £86,792 (€99,950) Charming, lovingly renovated traditional cottage with pool in a peaceful hamlet set by the Forest of Aulnay, Charente Maritime. This beautiful... Ref: 106080 £256,165 (€295,000) 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The villa is located in Etaules, 7km/4 miles away from the pretty village of La Palmyre , on the Arvert Peninsula . This is situated at the mouth of...

Ref: 158694 £100,347 (€115,560) 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Two bedroom house, constructed in 2006, located on an exclusive park near to the Chateau Des Forges Golf Club in the Poitou-Charente Region of... Ref: 201248 £1,061,132 (€1,222,000) 13 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. The perfect combination: a property in a rural location yet 10 minutes from the coast at Talmont and 5 minutes from a small market town. Ownership... Ref: 201676 £421,153 (€485,000) 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Set in the beautiful region of the Gorges de l’Aveyron with its wealth of medieval hilltop villages, this typical Quercy stone farmhouse has been... Ref: 202098 £426,494 (€491,150) 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

This beautifully renovated property is in the heart of a medieval village with historic abbey and has been renovated over the last 15 years with... Ref: 203330 £68,600 (€79,000) 1 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms. Superb apartment in the grounds of a chateau with swimming pool and tennis courts adjacent to a 27 hole golf course. This apartment was converted in... Ref: 203346 St Martin Les Melle (Deux Sevres) £173,506 (€199,810) 3 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms. A well cared for property that nestles in a private and large garden (1.5 acres)in a very quiet and green part of the Romanesque town of Melle. A... Ref: 203356 £745,919 (€859,000) 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This lovely character farmhouse sits in a slightly elevated position with far-reaching views over rolling countryside. Only 2.5km from a pretty 13th...

Ref: 203751 £207,103 (€238,500) 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Bright and spacious detached country house looking out over a valley and has the benefit of central heating, double glazing, heated swimming pool... Ref: 204100 10 South West France The unspoilt South West of France includes Aquitaine, Midi Pyrenees, and Poitou Charentes making for a peaceful and relaxing holiday destination. A quiet, sunny region taking in Spanish border country, the Pyrenees and the southern Atlantic coast. Aquitaine has vineyards, history, the Dordogne and Périgord. Midi Pyrennees includes Pyrennean peaks, and the sloping hillsides of Gascony. Poitou Charentes is the home of cognac and lies on the west coast, spreading inland from the Atlantic at La Rochelle. The South West of France has so much to offer holidays makers. It is the essence of rural France, with amazing food, wines, châteaux, vineyards and sunflower fields. There are sweeping vistas of both mountains and sea.

The area also boasts a rich and vibrant history that spans tens of thousands of years, typified by the narrow streets of the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, Gallo-Roman ruins and prehistoric cave paintings. Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine, holds claim as the most influential wine region in the world with renowned vineyards dotting the landscape. The South West of France is also home to the distinguished university city of Toulouse, regarded as one of the best places to live. The region is one of the sunniest areas of Europe with in excess of 300 sunny days a year on average. There is a huge amount of parkland, including more than 200,000 acres in the Pyrenees National Park alone. There are great walking, hiking and adventure opportunities for the more active holidaymaker. Climb to the ruins at Montsegur, where the Cathar religious sect made a lengthy stand against 10,000 Crusaders before voluntarily marking to their fiery deaths rather than convert their spiritual beliefs.

Aquitaine From Bordeaux to Basque country, a land of truffles and armagnac, sunflowers and foie-gras, mountain villages, warm, generous people and wine. The diverse landscape spans Atlantic beaches, the Pyrenees mountains, flat forest land and the Dordogne with its rolling hills and pastoral river valleys. Centre of prehistory in France with fascinating museums and cave paintings. Now peaceful fortified villages and castles bear witness to 12th century conflict between England and France after Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet. Vast uncrowded beaches and numerous rivers, canals and lakes for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, swimming and fishing. Excellent skiing resorts in memorable scenery of the Pyrenees. Find out more about Aquitaine and search for holiday properties. Midi Pyrenees Lesser known area off the main tourist track with unique history, landscape, culture, and cuisine. One of the sunniest regions of France, with over 2000 hours of sunshine per year, and a year-round destination.

Spring is favourite for walkers and ramblers; July and August for long hot days round the pool or on a sandy lake beach; autumn often offers an Indian summer with beautiful blue skies; winter perfect for skiing & snowboarding. Toulouse is regional capital, centre of the French aerospace industry and a lively, southern, cosmopolitan city, rich in art and architecture. Find out more about Midi Pyrenees and search for holiday properties. Poitou Charentes A tranquil, almost completely unspoilt region with virtually no industry and a mild, sunny climate. 300 mile Atlantic coastline noted for long sandy beaches, marinas, golf courses, pine forests and islands. Towns include Angoulème and the port of La Rochelle; a distinctive country area is the Marais Poitevin marsh and waterway system known as ‘Green Venice’. Well known for the production of fine brandies, centred around Cognac and Jarnac; vineyards and brandy cellars open to visit. Find out more about Poitou Charentes and search for holiday properties. Refine your search

Question: Which sub-region of Aquitaine in South West France is known for its brandy?
Answer: ARMAGNAC